JP5240737B2 - Charging system, charging method and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a charging system, a charging method, and a program.

  Secondary batteries such as lithium ion batteries are used in electric vehicles and the like. The secondary battery deteriorates faster if it is not fully discharged after being fully charged.

  In order to eliminate such an inconvenience, a technique has been proposed in which the timing for starting charging of the secondary battery is determined from the next scheduled operation start date and time, and full charging is performed at the start of operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). reference).

JP 2009-254221 A

  However, when charging a secondary battery with power supplied from a power generation device that generates power using natural energy such as sunlight, it is difficult to determine the timing for charging the secondary battery because the amount of power generation varies from day to day. And could not be charged at the right time.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a charging system, a charging method, and a program capable of charging a secondary battery at a suitable timing even when using a power generation device whose power generation amount varies. For the purpose.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a charging system, a charging method, and a program capable of appropriately charging while suppressing deterioration of the secondary battery.

In order to achieve the above object, a charging system according to the present invention includes:
A storage amount measuring means for measuring a storage amount of the secondary battery;
Use start prediction timing storage means for storing use start prediction timing indicating a predicted value of timing at which the use of the secondary battery is started;
A predicted usage energy storage unit that stores a predicted usage energy that indicates a predicted value of the usage energy of the secondary battery;
A power generation amount predicted value storage unit that stores a power generation amount prediction value indicating a power generation amount prediction value of the power generation unit;
A charge amount calculation means for calculating a charge amount necessary for accumulating the predicted use power amount in the secondary battery based on the predicted use power amount and the measured current storage amount of the secondary battery. When,
The amount of electric power generated by the power generation means and the calculated amount of charge are constant during a period in which the charging start timing indicating the timing for starting charging of the secondary battery starts and the predicted use start timing ends. Charging start timing determining means for determining the charging start timing based on the predicted power usage and the predicted power generation value so as to satisfy the relationship
Charging means for starting charging of the secondary battery from the determined charging start timing, and ending charging of the secondary battery at the predicted use start timing;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, since the charging start timing is determined based on the predicted usage power amount and the predicted power generation amount, the secondary battery is charged at a suitable timing even when using a power generating device whose power generation amount varies. be able to.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the charge control system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) is a figure which shows the structure of electric power generation result DB shown in FIG. 1, (b) is a graph which shows an example of the actual value of electric power generation. (A) is a figure which shows the structure of electric energy storage performance DB shown in FIG. 1, (b) is a figure which shows the structure of electric power consumption performance DB shown in FIG. 1, (c) is FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of use start time results DB shown in FIG. (A) is a figure which shows the structure of electric power generation amount prediction DB shown in FIG. 1, (b) is a figure which shows the structure of electric power consumption prediction DB shown in FIG. 1, (c) is a figure which shows FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of use start time prediction DB shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the electric power generation amount storage and electric power generation amount prediction process which the control part shown in FIG. 1 performs. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the charge control process which the control part shown in FIG. 1 performs. It is a flowchart following the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a flowchart following the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the charge control system which concerns on Embodiment 2. It is a graph which shows an example of the track record value of electric power consumption.

  Hereinafter, a charge control system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the charging control system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a charging control device 10, a solar cell array 20, a charging device 30, and a secondary battery 40.

  The charging control device 10 is a computer that controls the charging device 30, and includes a control unit 101 and a storage unit 102.

  The control unit 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and the like, and controls the charging device 30 to charge the secondary battery 40. The control unit 101 includes a timer 1011 and an RTC (Real Time Clock) 1012. The control unit 101 functions as an example of a unit that generates a predicted value, such as a power generation amount predicted value generation unit of the present invention. Details of the function of the control unit 101 and the control to be executed will be described later.

  The storage unit 102 functions as an example of a storage unit such as a use start prediction timing storage unit, and includes a magnetic disk or the like, and includes a power generation result DB (database) 1021R, a power storage result DB 1022R, and a power consumption. A performance DB 1023R, a use start time performance DB 1024R, a power generation amount prediction DB 1021P, a power consumption amount prediction DB 1023P, and a use start time prediction DB 1024P are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the power generation result DB 1021R associates a time stamp indicating the date and time when the power generation amount of the solar cell array 20 is measured with the power generation amount (actual value) actually measured at that time. Accumulate. An example of the actual value of the power generation amount is shown in FIG. In addition, the predicted value of the electric power generation amount mentioned later also becomes a graph of the tendency similar to FIG.2 (b).

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the storage amount actual result DB 1022R includes a time stamp indicating the date and time when charging of the secondary battery 40 is completed, and the storage amount (actual value) of the secondary battery actually measured at that time. Are stored in association with each other.

As shown in FIG. 3 (b), the used electric energy record DB 1023R includes a non-charging period indicating a period in which the secondary battery 40 is not charged, and electric power used by a load device connected to the secondary battery 40. The amount of power used (actual value) indicating the amount is stored in association with each other.
As shown in FIG. 3C, the use start time result DB 1024R stores a time stamp indicating the date and time (use start time) when the secondary battery 40 is removed from the charging device 30.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the power generation amount prediction DB 1021P stores a predicted value of the power generation amount for each time zone of the solar cell array 20.
The power consumption prediction DB 1023P stores a predicted value of power consumption of the secondary battery 40 per day as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4C, the use start time prediction DB 1024 </ b> P stores the time when the use of the secondary battery 40 is predicted (predicted, estimated).

  The solar cell array 20 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a plurality of solar cell panels, and supplies the generated power to the charging device 30.

  The charging device 30 is a device that charges the secondary battery 40 with the power supplied from the solar cell array 20 under the control of the control unit 101. The charging device 30 includes a power generation amount measurement unit 301, a power storage amount measurement unit 302, and a charging unit 303.

The power generation amount measurement unit 301 includes a power meter, measures the power generation amount of the solar cell array 20 under the control of the control unit 101, and supplies the measured value to the charge control device 10.
The storage amount measuring unit 302 includes a storage amount measuring device, measures the storage amount (storage energy amount) of the secondary battery 40 under the control of the control unit 101, and supplies the measured value to the charge control device 10.
The charging unit 303 charges the secondary battery 40 with the power supplied from the solar cell array 20 under the control of the control unit 101, and stores the amount of charge in the internal memory.

  The secondary battery 40 is a battery that includes a lithium ion battery or the like and can be repeatedly charged by the charging device 30. The secondary battery 40 is appropriately removed from the charging device 30, connected to an external load device, and supplies power to the load device.

(Operation)
Next, the operation of the charge control system 100 having the above configuration will be described focusing on the operation of the charge control device 10.

  The charging control system 100 collects actual values such as the amount of power generation, the amount of stored electricity, the amount of power used, the start time of use, etc., thereby predicting the future power generation amount, the amount of power used by the load device and the start time of use, The charging by the charging device 30 is controlled so that the charging of the secondary battery 40 is completed immediately before the scheduled use start time.

(Power generation (actual value) storage / power generation prediction processing)
First, the operation in which the charging control apparatus 10 collects and accumulates the actual value of the power generation amount of the solar cell array 20 and predicts the future power generation amount based on the accumulated power generation amount will be described.
The control unit 101 repeats the power generation amount storage / power generation amount prediction process shown in FIG. 5, and first resets the time value t of the timer 1011 to 0 and starts time measurement (step S1). The control unit 101 determines whether or not the time measurement value t is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value T1 (step S2).

When the control unit 101 determines that the time measurement value t is less than the predetermined threshold T1 (step S2; No), the control unit 101 repeats step S2.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the measured value t is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value T1 (step S2; Yes), the control unit 101 generates a power generation amount measurement instruction signal for measuring the power generation amount of the solar cell array 20. It supplies to the part 301 (step S3).

  The power generation amount measurement unit 301 measures the power value of the power supplied from the solar cell array 20 in response to the power generation amount measurement instruction signal from the control unit 101, and supplies the measurement value to the control unit 101.

The control unit 101 acquires a measurement value from the power generation amount measurement unit 301 (step S4). The control unit 101 acquires the current date and time from the RTC 1012 (step S5). The control unit 101 additionally stores the date and time acquired in step S5 and the measurement value (= power generation amount) acquired in step S4 in the power generation result DB 1021R in association with each other (step S6).
For example, if the threshold value T1 is 5 minutes, the power generation amount every 5 minutes is obtained, and as shown in FIG. 2A, the measurement value of the power generation amount is measured in units of 5 minutes and accumulated in the power generation amount result DB 1021R. The

Next, the control unit 101 predicts the future power generation amount of the solar cell array 20.
In this embodiment, the power generation amount (predicted value) in each time zone is regarded as the average value of the power generation amount in each past time zone. Therefore, the control 101 stores, for example, the average value of the power generation amount for the most recent N days stored in the power generation result DB 1021R for each time slot (for example, 1 to 2 o'clock, 2 o'clock to 3 o'clock,...). The average value of the power generation amount is calculated and stored in the power generation amount prediction DB 1021P as a predicted value of the power generation amount for each time zone as illustrated in FIG. 4A (step S7).
Thereafter, the control returns to step S1, and the control unit 101 repeats the same processing.

  Thereby, the control part 101 accumulate | stores the measured value of the electric power generation amount of the solar cell array 20 sequentially in electric power generation amount performance DB1021R, and produces | generates the electric power generation amount (predicted value) according to time slot | zone in electric power generation amount prediction DB1021P.

(Processing to estimate the amount of power used (actual value) accumulation and the amount of power used per day)
First, when the secondary battery 40 is set in the charging device 30, the charging control device 10 performs control for charging the secondary battery.
Here, the charging control device 10 does not simply charge the secondary battery 40, but the charging device 30 is configured so that charging ends immediately before the time when the use of the secondary battery 40 is predicted to start. Control the charging operation.

In order to execute such control, the charging control device 10 collects and accumulates the power consumption (actual value) of the secondary battery 40, and based on the accumulated power consumption (actual value) Power consumption amount (predicted value) is calculated, the charging start time is predicted using the predicted power generation amount value, and charging by the charging device 30 is started at the corresponding time.
Hereinafter, this series of operations will be described.

  When the secondary battery 40 is set in the charging device 30, the charging device 30 detects this and notifies the control unit 101 of the charging control device 10 to that effect. In response to this notification, the control unit 101 starts the charge control process shown in FIG. 6, and first supplies a measurement instruction signal for instructing measurement of the storage amount of the secondary battery 40 to the storage amount measurement unit 302 ( Step S11).

  The power storage amount measuring unit 302 measures the remaining power storage amount of the secondary battery 40 in response to the supplied measurement instruction signal, and supplies the measured value to the control unit 101.

The control unit 101 acquires a measured value from the stored electricity amount measuring unit 302 (step S12).
The control unit 101 acquires the most recent time stamp and the corresponding storage amount from the storage amount result DB 1022R (step S13). As will be described later, this charged amount represents the charged amount of the secondary battery 40 when the charging of the secondary battery 40 was completed last time.

The control unit 101 multiplies the difference between the previous power storage amount acquired in step S13 and the remaining power storage amount acquired in step S12 by the rated voltage of the secondary battery 40, thereby using the used power amount (power consumption amount). Is calculated (step S14).
For example, assuming that the charged amount C1 acquired in step S13 = 980 Ah, the charged amount C2 acquired in step S12 = 200 Ah, and the rated voltage Vr of the secondary battery 40 = 4 V, the used electric energy W _out = (980 Ah−200 Ah) X4V = 3.12 kWh.

The control unit 101 acquires the current date and time from the RTC 1012 (step S15).
The control unit 101 additionally stores the non-charging period indicating the period in which the secondary battery 40 has not been charged and the used electric energy calculated in step S14 in association with the used electric energy record DB 1023R (step). S16). As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the non-charging period starts from the date and time (charging end date and time) corresponding to the amount of power acquired in step S13, and the date and time (current date and time) acquired in step S15. This is a period to be terminated, and corresponds to a period in which the secondary battery 40 has been used.

  Next, the control unit 101 calculates an average value of the power consumption per day based on the power consumption for each non-charging period for the most recent N days accumulated in the power consumption history DB 1023R. The average value of power consumption is stored in the power consumption prediction DB 1023P as a predicted value of power consumption per day (step S17).

  Thus, every time the secondary battery 40 is set in the charging device 30, the used power amount result DB 1023R storing the used power amount of the secondary battery 40 is updated, and the predicted value of the used power amount per day is stored. The used power consumption prediction DB 1023P is updated.

  Subsequently, the control unit 101 acquires a predicted value of the used power amount per day from the used power amount prediction DB 1023P (step S21).

  Next, the control unit 101 acquires a predicted value of the next use start time of the load device from the use start time prediction DB 1024P (step S22).

  Next, the control unit 101 determines the remaining power storage amount acquired from the power storage amount measurement unit 302 in step S12 and the secondary battery 40 from the daily power consumption (predicted value) acquired from the power usage amount prediction DB 1023P in step S21. By subtracting the value obtained by multiplying the rated voltage, the charging power amount indicating the power amount to be charged in the secondary battery 40 is calculated (step S23). Here, the secondary battery 40 can be fully charged. However, as explained in the section of the prior art, the secondary battery 40 deteriorates when full charge is repeated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the charging power amount is calculated so that only the charging amount necessary for the next use is secured in the secondary battery 40.

For example, the residual accumulation amount C = 200 Ah acquired in step S12, the rated voltage Vr = 4V of the secondary battery 40, when the predicted value = 5 kWh of electric energy consumption, the charging electric power amount _W in = 5kWh-200Ah × necessary 4V = 4.2 kWh.

  Next, the control unit 101 refers to the power generation amount prediction DB 1021P, and the integrated value of the power generation amount prediction value in the period from the time (date and time) Tx to the use start time (predicted value) acquired in step S22 is determined in step S23. A time Tx that is equal to the calculated charging electric energy is calculated and stored together with the date of the next day (step S24).

The date and time Tx are the date and time when charging is started next time, and the control unit 101 waits for charging until the time Tx of the next day is reached.
Therefore, the control unit 101 acquires the current date and time from the RTC 1012 and determines whether or not the acquired current date and time is the time Tx calculated in step S24 (step S25). When it is determined that the current date and time is not the time Tx (step S25; No), the control unit 101 repeats step S25.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the current date and time has become the time Tx (step S25; Yes), the control unit 101 supplies a charging start instruction signal to start charging the secondary battery 40 to the charging unit 303 (step S25). S26).

  The charging unit 303 starts charging the secondary battery 40 with the power supplied from the solar cell array 20 in response to the charging start instruction signal supplied from the control unit 101. The charging unit 303 stores the charge amount in the internal memory while updating the charge amount.

Subsequently, the control unit 101 stands by while continuing to charge until the estimated use start time.
Therefore, the control unit 101 acquires the current date and time from the RTC 1012, and determines whether or not the acquired current date and time has reached the use start time (predicted value) acquired in step S22 (step S27). When it is determined that the current date is not the use start time (predicted value) (step S27; No), the control unit 101 repeats step S27.
On the other hand, when the control unit 101 determines that the current date and time has become the use start time (predicted value) (step S27; Yes), the charging unit 303 receives a charging end instruction signal to end charging of the secondary battery 40. (Step S28).

  In response to the charging end instruction signal from the control unit 101, the charging unit 303 ends the charging of the secondary battery 40.

In the prediction, this time is a time when the use of the secondary battery 40 is started, and the control unit 101 waits for the secondary battery 40 to be removed from the charging device 30. Specifically, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the secondary battery 40 has been removed from the charging device 30 according to the detection signal from the charging device 30 (step S29), and determines that it has not been removed (step S29). Step S29; No) and Step S29 are repeated.
On the other hand, when the control unit 101 determines that the secondary battery 40 has been removed from the charging device 30 (step S29; Yes), the control unit 101 acquires the amount of charge by the current charging process from the charging unit 303 (step S31). Specifically, the control unit 101 transmits a charge amount notification instruction signal for instructing (requesting) a charge amount notification to the charging device 30, and the charging unit 303 of the charging device 30 responds to the charge amount notification instruction signal. Then, the control unit 101 is notified of the charge amount stored in the internal memory.

Next, the control unit 101 adds the remaining charged amount acquired in step S12 and the current charged amount notified from the charging unit 303 to thereby store the current charged amount of the secondary battery 40 (after charging). Is calculated (step S32).
Next, the control unit 101 acquires the current date and time from the RTC 1012 (step S33).
The control unit 101 attaches a time stamp indicating the current date and time acquired in step S33 to the power storage amount calculated in step S32 and stores it in the power storage amount result DB 1022R (step S34).

  Further, the control unit 101 additionally stores the current date and time acquired in step S33 in the use start time record DB 1024R as the time when the use of the secondary battery 40 is started, that is, the use start time (step S35).

  The control unit 101 calculates the average value of the use start times for the latest N days with the update of the use start time result DB 1024R, and uses the calculated average value as the predicted value of the next use start time in the use start time prediction DB 1024P. Overwrite and save (step S36).

  As a result, each time the secondary battery 40 is attached to the charging device 30 and then removed, the secondary battery 40 is charged and various actual values are collected, and the accumulated amount actual DB 1022R, the used electric energy actual DB 1023R, The usage start time result DB 1024R is updated, and the power usage amount prediction DB 1023P and the usage start time prediction DB 1024P are updated based on the updated DB.

  As described above, the charging unit 303 charges the secondary battery 40 with the amount of power predicted to be necessary for the next use. For this reason, the secondary battery 40 is not fully charged unnecessarily, and deterioration of the secondary battery 40 can be suppressed. Moreover, it charges so that charge may be complete | finished at the use start time (predicted value) of the secondary battery 40. FIG. For this reason, the electric power stored in the secondary battery 40 is immediately discharged, and deterioration of the secondary battery 40 can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the timing for charging the secondary battery 40 is determined based on the predicted value of the power generation amount, the solar cell array 20 is suitable despite the fact that the power generation amount of the solar cell array 20 varies with environmental changes. The secondary battery can be charged at a proper timing.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the example in which the charge control device 10 and the load device connected to the secondary battery 40 are configured separately has been described. However, the charge control device is used for the load device (hereinafter referred to as the load device 50). 10 may be incorporated.
The apparatus configuration in this case is shown in FIG. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  As illustrated, the charging device 30A includes a power generation amount measurement unit 301, a charging unit 303, a control circuit 305 including a timer 3051 and an RTC 3052, a storage unit 304 including a power generation result DB1021R and a power generation amount prediction DB1021P, Is provided.

  On the other hand, the load device 50 includes a secondary battery 40, a load circuit 5020, a control unit 501 including a timer 5011 and an RTC 5012, an operation unit 503, and a storage unit 502. The storage unit 502 includes a power generation amount result DB 1021RC, a power storage amount result DB 1022R, a power consumption amount result DB 1023R, a use start time result DB 1024R, a power generation amount prediction DB 1021PC, a power use amount prediction DB 1023P, and a use start time prediction DB 1024P. Here, the power generation amount result DB 1021RC is a DB that stores a copy of the power generation amount result DB 1021R arranged in the charging device 30A. The power generation amount prediction DB 1021PC is a DB that stores a copy of the power generation amount prediction DB 1021P disposed in the charging device 30A.

  Charging device 30 </ b> A and load device 50 are appropriately connected via connector 600.

The control circuit 305 of the charging device 30A executes the power generation amount storage / power generation amount prediction process shown in FIG. 5, acquires the power generation amount of the solar cell array 20 measured by the power generation amount measurement unit 301, and stores it in the power generation result DB 1021R. While accumulating, the power generation amount predicted value for each time zone is stored in the power generation amount prediction DB 1021P.
The charging unit 303 is controlled by the control unit 501 of the load device 50 via the connector 600 and charges the secondary battery 40.

On the other hand, the control unit 501 of the load device 50 is stored in the storage unit 304 of the charging device 30A via the control circuit 305 when the charging device 30A and the load device 50 are connected via the connector 600. The generated power generation result DB 1021R and the power generation amount prediction DB 1021P are read out and copied to the power generation amount result DB 1021RC and the power generation amount prediction DB 1021PC in the own apparatus.
The control unit 501 of the load device 50 executes the charging control processing illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8 to perform charging of the secondary battery 40, collection of various performance data, generation of predicted values, and the like.

  Also with this configuration, it is possible to appropriately charge the secondary battery using the solar cell array in which the power generation amount varies, and to suppress the deterioration of the secondary battery 40.

In the above description, the timing at which the secondary battery 40 is separated from the charging unit 303 is regarded as the use start time of the secondary battery 40, but the load device 50 is actually installed by the operation of the operation unit 503. It is also possible to process the time when the operation is started as the use start time.
Moreover, although the predicted value of the power generation amount is generated by the charging device 30A, the control unit 501 of the load device 50 may generate this based on the accumulated data of the power generation result DB 1021RC.

(Application 1)
In the above embodiment, the predicted value of the power generation amount of the solar cell array 20 is a relatively simple value based on the moving average value of the past actual values, but more accurate power generation is performed using more information. It is also possible to predict the quantity.
For example, the power generation amount of the solar cell array 20 is affected by seasonal changes. Therefore, the actual value used for prediction may be limited to data within a certain season.

  Moreover, when the actual value for several years is stored in power generation result DB1021R, you may correct | amend the predicted value based on the actual value of the last N days using the actual value of the same period of the previous year.

  Further, the control units 101 and 501 may be connected to an external weather forecast information site via a network to acquire weather forecast data, and the predicted value based on the actual value of the latest N days may be corrected. For example, when the predicted value of the power generation amount in a certain time zone based on the actual value of the most recent N days is PW, when the precipitation probability in that time zone is 0 to 25%, the coefficient k1 (for example, 1.2) In the case of 25 to 75%, k2 (for example, 1) may be multiplied, and in the case of 75 to 100%, a coefficient k3 (for example, 0.6) may be multiplied to obtain a final predicted value.

  The predicted value of power consumption and the predicted value of the start time of use are also relatively simple values based on the moving average value of past actual values. It is also possible to predict.

  For example, a person's lifestyle is strongly influenced by the day of the week and the season. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the amount of power used on a specific day of each week may be greater than the amount of power used on another day of the week. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the power usage amount on Wednesday is larger than the power consumption amount on Monday or Tuesday, and the power consumption amount on Saturday or Sunday is still larger than the power consumption amount on Wednesday. Furthermore, the amount of power used on Wednesday is almost constant regardless of the date. Therefore, an average value may be obtained for each specific season or day of the week from past performance values and used as a predicted value.

  For example, when the prediction target day is Monday, the control unit 101 or 501 records the power consumption amount of the most recent M times in the same season stored in the power consumption amount result DB 1023R and the use start time result DB 1024R. The predicted value of the used power amount and the predicted value of the use start time may be obtained from the average value of the value and the actual value of the use start time, and stored in the used power amount prediction DB 1023P and the use start time prediction DB 1024P. For example, when Monday is a holiday, it is determined whether or not the actual value of Monday in the past holiday shows the same tendency as the actual value of other normal Mondays, and shows the same tendency In the case where a different tendency is shown as a basis of prediction, the predicted value may be acquired from the actual value on a holiday (for example, a day with high similarity) instead of the normal actual value on Monday.

Furthermore, when various performance values for the past several years are stored in the DB, the predicted value may be corrected with reference to the past actual values for the same period.
In the above-described embodiment, when the amount of charge predicted to be used is secured in the secondary battery 40, the charging is finished, and it becomes the use start time. In consideration of d, the use amount predicted value × coefficient d may be set as a necessary charge amount. Alternatively, the planned usage amount itself may be predicted amount × coefficient d based on past actual values.

  Furthermore, the charge start time (Tx) determined from the predicted use start time value and the predicted power generation amount can be advanced with a certain margin, or can be delayed in consideration of power saving. For example, a value obtained by correcting the time Tx obtained from the charge power amount calculated in step S23 of FIG. 7 and the power generation prediction amount may be set as the charge start time.

  Further, on the assumption that all of the power generation amount can be used for charging, the charging start time Tx is obtained in step S24, but in order to protect the secondary battery 40, when the upper limit value IL is set for the charging current, During the period when the charging current exceeds the limit value IL, it is necessary to limit the amount of charge. In this case, a setting time for the charging start time Tx in consideration of the limitation of the charging amount is required. When there is another load device to be charged by the power generation amount of the solar cell array 20, it is necessary to subtract the consumption of the other load device to obtain electric power that can be used for charging. Therefore, a predicted value of power that can actually be used for charging is obtained based on the predicted value of power generation amount, and the charging start time Tx is set based on the required charge amount and the predicted value of generated power that can be used for charging. May be.

  In the above embodiment, the average value of the power generation amount, the amount of power used, the use start time, etc. is used as the respective predicted value, but is not limited to this. For example, it is an arbitrary representative value such as a median value, majority value, etc. May be.

  In other words, the amount of power that can be used for charging and the required amount of charge satisfy a certain relationship (for example, equal, larger by a certain amount, etc.) during the period in which the estimated charging start time is the beginning and the estimated use start timing is the end. As long as an appropriate charging start time Tx can be obtained based on the predicted power consumption and the predicted power generation value, the specific method itself is arbitrary.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, the configuration and operation of the hardware shown in the above description are examples, and the present invention is not limited to these, and can be changed and applied as appropriate.

  For example, the amount of power used, use start timing, and the like may be stored for each user. In this case, for example, when the load device 50 is used, the user inputs identification information by manual operation or reading RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification), and the control unit 101 uses the actual power consumption value and the actual use start time value. Are stored for each user, and the predicted power consumption value and the predicted start time for use are predicted for each user. In this case, for example, it is possible to predict that the user A who is a housewife uses during the day and the user B who is a niece uses at night. The control unit 101 sets the charging start time so that charging is appropriate for any use. According to this, the control part 101 can determine the timing which starts charge according to a user's usage condition.

  In the said embodiment, although the solar cell array 20 is generating electric power, a power generation means is not limited to this, For example, a wind power generator, a hydroelectric generator, a geothermal power generator, etc. may be sufficient.

  In the first embodiment, the example in which the charging device 30 and the charging control device 10 are configured separately has been described, but these may be incorporated into one device.

  In the above embodiment, the secondary battery 40 is set or removed from the charging device 30, but a switch is provided between the secondary battery 40 and the charging device 30, and this switch is responsive to a user operation. May be turned on or off.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Charge control apparatus 20 Solar cell array 30, 30A Charging apparatus 40 Secondary battery 50 Load apparatus 100, 100A Charge control system 101 Control part 102 Storage part 301 Electricity generation amount measurement part 302 Electricity storage amount measurement part 303 Charging part 304 Storage part 305 Control Circuit 501 Control unit 502 Storage unit 503 Operation unit 600 Connector 1011 Timer 1012 RTC
1021R Power generation results DB
1022R Power storage results DB
1023R Power consumption results DB
1024R use start time results DB
1021P Power generation amount prediction DB
1023P Power consumption prediction DB
1024P use start time prediction DB
5020 Load circuit

Claims (14)

A storage amount measuring means for measuring a storage amount of the secondary battery;
Use start prediction timing storage means for storing use start prediction timing indicating a predicted value of timing at which the use of the secondary battery is started;
A predicted usage energy storage unit that stores a predicted usage energy that indicates a predicted value of the usage energy of the secondary battery;
A power generation amount predicted value storage unit that stores a power generation amount prediction value indicating a power generation amount prediction value of the power generation unit;
A charge amount calculation means for calculating a charge amount necessary for accumulating the predicted use power amount in the secondary battery based on the predicted use power amount and the measured current storage amount of the secondary battery. When,
The amount of electric power generated by the power generation means and the calculated amount of charge are constant during a period in which the charging start timing indicating the timing for starting charging of the secondary battery starts and the predicted use start timing ends. Charging start timing determining means for determining the charging start timing based on the predicted power usage and the predicted power generation value so as to satisfy the relationship
Charging means for starting charging of the secondary battery from the determined charging start timing, and ending charging of the secondary battery at the predicted use start timing;
A charging system comprising: A power generation amount measuring means for measuring a power generation amount of the power generation means;
A power generation amount predicted value generation unit that generates a power generation amount prediction value of the power generation unit based on a measurement value of the power generation amount measured by the power generation amount measurement unit, and stores the power generation amount prediction value storage unit in the power generation amount prediction value storage unit
The charging system according to claim 1, further comprising: The power generation amount predicted value generation unit stores a representative value of the measurement value of the power generation amount in the power generation amount predicted value storage unit as a predicted value of the power generation amount of the power generation unit.
The charging system according to claim 2, wherein: A power consumption measuring means for measuring the power consumption of the secondary battery;
Generation of predicted power consumption generated by generating a predicted value of the power consumption of the secondary battery based on the measured value of power consumption measured by the power consumption measuring unit and storing the predicted value in the usage power consumption storage unit Means,
The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The predicted usage power generation unit stores a representative value of the used power measured by the used power consumption measuring unit in the predicted usage power storage unit as a predicted value of the used power.
The charging system according to claim 4. Use start timing measuring means for measuring use start timing of the secondary battery;
A use start prediction timing generation unit that generates a predicted value of the use start timing based on the measurement value of the use start timing measured by the use start timing measurement unit, and stores the predicted value in the use start prediction timing storage unit;
The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: Based on the power generation amount predicted value, further comprising means for obtaining a predicted value of power that can actually be used for charging,
The charging start timing determining means determines a charging start timing based on a predicted value of power that can be used for the obtained charging.
The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The charge start timing determination means includes a charge start timing indicating a start timing of charging of the secondary battery as a start period and an amount of power generated by the power generation means in a period having the use start prediction timing as an end period. Determining the charge start timing so that the calculated charge amount is equal;
The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The power generation amount predicted value storage unit stores a timing at which the power generation unit generates power and a power generation amount prediction value at the timing in association with each other,
The charge start timing determining means determines the charge start timing so that an integral value obtained by integrating the power generation amount predicted value over the period satisfies a certain relationship with the calculated charge amount.
The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: Power generation means for generating electricity;
A secondary battery for accumulating electric power generated by the power generation means;
The charging system according to claim 1, further comprising: The secondary battery and / or the charging means are incorporated in a load device,
The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The power generation means generates power by natural energy.
The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: A storage amount measuring step for measuring a storage amount of the secondary battery;
A use start prediction timing storage step for storing a use start prediction timing indicating a predicted value of a timing at which use of the secondary battery is started;
A predicted use power storage step for storing a predicted use power amount indicating a predicted value of the power consumption of the secondary battery;
A power generation amount predicted value storing step for storing a power generation amount predicted value indicating a predicted value of the power generation amount of the power generation means;
A charge amount calculating step for calculating a charge amount necessary for accumulating the predicted use power amount in the secondary battery based on the predicted use power amount and the measured current storage amount of the secondary battery. When,
The amount of electric power generated by the power generation means and the calculated amount of charge are constant during a period in which the charging start timing indicating the timing for starting charging of the secondary battery starts and the predicted use start timing ends. A charging start timing determining step for determining the charging start timing based on the predicted use power amount and the predicted power generation amount so as to satisfy the relationship of
Charging step of starting charging of the secondary battery from the determined charging start timing, and ending charging of the secondary battery at the use start prediction timing;
A charging method comprising: On the computer,
A storage amount acquisition procedure for acquiring a storage amount of a secondary battery;
A use start prediction timing storage procedure for storing a use start prediction timing indicating a predicted value of a timing at which use of the secondary battery is started;
A predicted use power storage procedure for storing a predicted use power amount indicating a predicted value of the power consumption of the secondary battery;
A power generation amount predicted value storage procedure for storing a power generation amount predicted value indicating a predicted value of the power generation amount of the power generation means;
A charge amount calculation procedure for calculating a charge amount necessary to store the predicted use power amount in the secondary battery based on the predicted use power amount and the acquired current storage amount of the secondary battery. When,
The amount of electric power generated by the power generation means and the calculated amount of charge are constant during a period in which the charging start timing indicating the timing for starting charging of the secondary battery starts and the predicted use start timing ends. A charging start timing determination procedure for determining the charging start timing based on the predicted power usage and the predicted power generation value so as to satisfy the relationship of
A charging procedure for starting charging of the secondary battery from the determined charging start timing and ending charging of the secondary battery at the use start prediction timing;
A program characterized by having executed.

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